Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Greece Animal Shelter?
500 Maiden Lane, Rochester, NY 14616, just west of the former Precinct 2 building that now houses Greece Animal Services and Greece Special Police Department.
What happens to lost pets that are picked up by the Town of Greece Animal Services?
Dogs and cats that are found unattended and cannot be immediately reunited with their owners are taken to the Greece Animal Shelter at 500 Maiden Lane and held for the reclaim period (5 days if not identified, 7 days if identified). Reclaimed pets are released to their owners once proof has been provided that the animal has a current rabies vaccination and license (dogs only). Shelter admission and boarding fees must be paid prior to release of the pet. Contact an on-duty Animal Control Officer at 585-581-4025 to facilitate the release of the pet.
How can I help Greece Animal Services?
How can I find out which animals are available for adoption?
You can view animals in our care on our Adopt a Pet page or call us at 585-581-4025 to arrange a time to visit the shelter and meet the animals.
How much are the adoption fees?
Our regular adoption fee for cats and dogs is $50.
Can I volunteer at the Greece Animal Shelter?
Yes. We rely heavily on volunteers for shelter care, however there are a variety of other roles for which we also accept volunteers including greeters, lost pet detectives, adoption counselors, administrative support, and more. Please visit our Volunteer page on the Town’s website to learn about the Volunteer Program and submit an online application. You will also need to submit a Volunteer Record Check Authorization Form, which you can complete at 500 Maiden Lane, Rochester NY 14616.
Are there other volunteer roles besides direct animal care?
Yes. There are a variety of roles including Lost Pet Reunification, Supported Self-Rehoming, Office Assistant, Client Services/Greeters, Neighborhood Engagement & Pet Support, Special Events, Adoption Counselor, Photo Team, Social Media, and more.
Can I foster an animal before adopting?
Absolutely. Most of the pets placed in homes leave as foster-to-adoption. The foster parent accepts responsibility for the pet’s daily care, veterinary care including spay/neuter, and any obedience training or behavioral support. Once the spay/neuter is complete, we finalize the adoption.
Why do you release pets without first spaying/neutering them?
We support spaying/neutering for all pets except those with medical conditions for which surgery may pose an increased risk. However, we strive to minimize the amount of time that animals have to spend in the shelter. Additionally, we do not have spay/neuter facilities at the Town shelter nor is there Town funding to cover the costs for surgeries at local veterinary hospitals. Releasing pets as foster-to-adoption ensures that the pets will be spayed/neutered before the adoptions are finalized without extending the time that the pets remain at the shelter.
I found a lost pet. What should I do?
Thanks for your compassion. Most lost pets are found within the vicinity of their homes and they have a greater chance of being reunited with their families if they remain in the area where found. Please visit our Found a Pet page for reporting and other tips to help get the lost pet home.
I’m missing my pet. What should I do?
We are sorry that your pet is missing. Most lost pets are found within the vicinity of their homes. Please visit our Lost a Pet page to report a lost pet and for tips to help in finding missing pets.
I can’t keep my pet. What should I do?
If you would be willing to keep your pet if you had support, please visit Lollypop Farm’s Pet Resources page.
If you are unable to keep your pet, please visit our Rehome a Pet page and call us to provide as much detailed information about your pet’s personality, favorite activities, and quirks. It is always best to keep pets in a home where they are safe and comfortable and out of the animal shelter whenever possible. We will create an online profile that will be displayed on our website to aid in finding a new home for your pet. With this approach, your pet can go from your home directly into a new home without making a frightening, stressful, and often prolonged pitstop at the animal shelter.
How should I approach dogs I am not familiar with?
When greeting dogs with their owners:
Ask if it’s ok to pet the dog, let the dog smell/greet you first. Don’t directly approach the dog. Let it approach you. Keep your body at a 45° angle to the dog to be less intimidating. Don’t make prolonged eye contact with the dog. Remove sunglasses. Eye contact can be intimidating to a dog. Don’t lean or reach over the dog to pet it. This can be threatening to a dog. Make sure a dog knows you are there – avoid surprising or startling the dog.
In general:
Don’t directly approach the dog. Let it approach you. Keep your body at a 45° angle to the dog to be less intimidating. Don’t make prolonged eye contact with the dog. Remove sunglasses. Eye contact can be intimidating to a dog. Don’t lean or reach over the dog to pet it. This can be threatening to a dog. Make sure a dog knows you are there – avoid surprising or startling the dog.
Closely supervise children around dogs and other pets. Use caution around a dog that is eating or has food or a toy.
If a dog approaches you in an aggressive manor:
Do not scream or run. Stand your ground. Running will trigger a dog’s instinct to chase. Talk to the dog in a calm but firm tone. “STOP”, “GO HOME.” Don’t turn your back on the dog, Avoid prolonged eye contact, remove sunglasses. Slowly back out of the situation making sure not to turn your back on the dog.
If the dog starts attacking, you:
Use anything available to protect yourself and put between you and the dog. Anything that may cause a distraction can give you an opportunity to get yourself out of the situation (e.g., jacket, purse, backpack, bicycle, umbrella). Using a walking stick can provide a barrier or buffer zone between you and the dog. Stay on your feet. If you fall or get knocked down, curl up into a ball and protect your head and neck with your arms and try to lay as still as possible. The idea here is that the dog will quickly lose interest and will stop the attack.
At what age does a dog have to be licensed?
NYS law requires all dogs 4 months of age or older to be licensed. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required to obtain a dog license. Also, if the dog is spayed or neutered the cost of the license is less. The license is obtained from the Town Clerk’s office. The cost for a dog license in the Town of Greece is $17.00 if the dog is not spayed/neutered and $8.00 if spayed/neutered.
What do I do if I see sick or injured wildlife?
In general, it is recommended to leave wildlife alone. However, the Town of Greece Animal Control Officers may assist with wildlife that appears sick or injured, or posing an imminent threat to public safety.
What can I do about nuisance wildlife?
For tips on dealing with nuisance wildlife, check out Wild Neighbors. In general, it is recommended to leave wildlife alone. However, the Town of Greece Animal Control Officers may assist with wildlife that appears sick or injured, posing imminent safety concerns, and some nuisance wildlife situations.
I saw a raccoon outside during the day. Did it have rabies?
Daytime activity for some animals, especially raccoons and skunks, should be considered suspicious in terms of the possibility of rabies and caution should be used until proven otherwise. However, activity during daylight hours does not automatically mean the animal is rabid. Depending on the time of the year and available food/ water sources daytime activity does occur.
Are there coyotes in the area?
Yes. Coyotes can be found just about anywhere in NY state. They are highly intelligent animals and are able to adapt to different environments quite easily. Sightings in urban/suburban areas are becoming more frequent. Most of their diet consists of small rodents, however, they will also kill livestock, cats, and small dogs if given the opportunity. Care should be taken to protect livestock and pets if coyotes are known to frequent your area. In general, coyotes avoid people but it is important they do not lose their fear of people. This can be maintained by making certain there are no food sources (e.g., garbage, pet food, bird feeders) and do not allow coyotes to feel “comfortable.” You can do this by hazing/ harassing them by yelling and making loud noises if they are seen in the area. The more human activity there is, the quicker the coyote will move on.